Degradation of fundamental polymers/plastics used in daily life: a review

Authors

  • Netra Lal Bhandari Department of Chemistry, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
  • Ganesh Bhandari Department of Chemistry, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
  • Sunita Bista Department of Chemistry, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
  • Basant Pokhrel Department of Chemistry, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
  • Kabita Bist Department of Chemistry, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
  • Kedar Nath Dhakal Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v18i1.29619

Keywords:

Polyethylene, Polylactic acid, Degradation, Thermogravimetric analysis

Abstract

Polymers are made from the monomers that are used for packaging purposes. The degradation of polymers can take place either abiotic or biotic pathways. Abiotic pathway occurs from thermal, photo-degradation, and catalytic methods whereas, biotic occurs in presence of different types of microorganisms. The degradation of polymers (polyethylene and polylactic acid) was explained by the thermal, catalytic, and biodegradation process. The thermal degradation of polyethylene and polylactic acid was explained by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curve. Catalysts such as zeolites and amorphous silica-alumina are used for the degradation of polyethylene whereas, tin for polylactic acid. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and actinomycetes help for the degradation of polyethylene and polylactic acid.

BIBECHANA 18 (1) (2021) 240-253

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Published

2021-01-01

How to Cite

Bhandari, N. L., Bhandari, G., Bista, S., Pokhrel, B., Bist, K., & Dhakal, K. N. (2021). Degradation of fundamental polymers/plastics used in daily life: a review. BIBECHANA, 18(1), 240–253. https://doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v18i1.29619

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Review Articles

License

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